Spain's first DOCa (1991). Three sub-zones: Rioja Alta (Atlantic; Tempranillo dominant; elegance, age-worthiness), Rioja Alavesa (Basque; limestone; concentrated, mineral), Rioja Oriental/Baja (Mediterranean; Garnacha dominant; richer). Ageing classifications define legal identity: Joven (no oak requirement), Crianza (2 years min, 1 in oak), Reserva (3 years, 1 in oak), Gran Reserva (5 years, 2 in oak). Traditional style: American oak (vanilla, coconut). Modern: French oak, fresher fruit. BC importer: Authentic Wine & Spirits [NEEDS VERIFICATION].
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 85 | Good year. Consistent quality. Rioja's diversity — from modern garage wines to century-old Bodegas — all performing reliably. |
| 2022 | 84 | Warm vintage. Some heat stress. Alta better than Baja. Higher-altitude sites (Sonsierra) maintaining freshness and aromatic precision. |
| 2021 | 86 | Good vintage. Consistent production. Value-focused Crianza and Reserva performing well. Traditional producers vs. modern debate ongoing. |
| 2020 | 88 | Excellent. Balanced ripeness. Gran Reserva production particularly strong. La Rioja Alta 904 and 890 both outstanding. |
| 2019 | 91 | Very good. Ideal conditions. Strong across Alta, Alavesa, and Baja. Natural wine movement adding excitement to traditional Rioja. |
| 2018 | 89 | Excellent. Classic profile. Rioja Alta especially strong. Single-vineyard expressions from La Rioja Alta and Remírez de Ganuza outstanding. |
| 2017 | 87 | Good vintage. Warm conditions. Accessible, forward Tempranillo. Crianza and Reserva quality very strong. Alavesa excelling. |
| 2016 | 96 | Century Rioja. Perfectly balanced growing season. Tempranillo of extraordinary purity and structure. Gran Reservas will age 30+ years. |
| 2015 | 92 | Exceptional Rioja. Classic Tempranillo profile — leather, dark plum, vanilla from oak aging. Alta and Alavesa both outstanding. Long-lived wines. |